£16.3m investment in specialist rehab services

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths AM today announced an investment of £16.344m in specialist neurological, spinal rehabilitation and elderly care services, to be based at the University Hospital Llandough.

Thursday 14 February 2013

Specialist spinal and neurological rehabilitation services will be relocated from Rookwood to Llandough in the move, as it becomes the centre for rehabilitation and recovery care in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

The investment will provide dedicated facilities to support inpatient, diagnostic, outpatient and therapy services. It means that patients with spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injury and specialist neuromuscular degenerative conditions will receive the care they need in the appropriate clinical environment.

The inpatient services will support a network of community based neuro-rehabilitation and supportive care services across Mid and South Wales. Elderly care services will also be moved from outdated accommodation in Rookwood to modern facilities in St David’s Hospital as part of the move.

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said:

“This investment means that patients with a range of neurological conditions will be able to receive rehabilitation at an earlier stage, to improve their chances of recovery. Creating specialist centres of excellence is a key part of the Welsh Government’s vision for the NHS, as outlined in our strategy, Together for Health.

“This investment will transfer services to modern accommodation, suited to providing high quality care. It will replace outdated and inflexible accommodation at Rookwood with accessible, welcoming facilities, focused on the needs of the patient.”

Jennifer Thomas, Clinical Director for Neurosciences, said:

"Rookwood Hospital has helped countless people on the road to recovery over the years and while it provides excellent care, the fabric of the buildings on the site are showing their age.

"The UHB is delighted that the Minister has announced this significant investment that will benefit the people of South Wales who need specialist neurological, spinal rehabilitation and elderly care services.

"The planned development at University Hospital Llandough allows this service to work side by side with other rehabilitation and recovery services to provide a centre of excellence in facilities designed around their needs."